CHENNAI: Wriddhiman Saha was probably being too modest, or just himself, when he mentioned “if selected” on his chances of playing the Australia Tests. If the Irani Cup match was unfairly billed as a battle between Saha and Parthiv Patel, it’s fair to say the former stole the deal, at least for the moment.
The batting of the two under the microscope, Saha’s unbeaten 203 that sealed an improbable chase in Rest of India’s favour against Gujarat prompted chief selector MSK Prasad to say he is the first choice.
“Someone coming back from injury had to play a domestic game… it was only to test fitness that we had Saha play here. Parthiv has improved, but Saha scores more because he has better hands.”
Even though Saha sounded characteristically unexcited, saying the effort was important “since it helped the team win”, the wicketkeeper didn’t miss the message that all but secures his place in Test XI.
“Many are trying their best to play for India, and Parthiv has done well. So it gives you a boost to hear that (from the chief selector). I will continue trying my best. It’s up to those who see to judge how I’m doing,” Saha told Express from Mumbai.
The stumper’s 272-ball effort was the highlight of his unbroken 313-run stand with Cheteshwar Pujara (116 n.o). The attack wasn’t the best, but Saha had to come good. He had made a duck in the first innings amid rave reviews of Parthiv’s batting.
“I’ve insisted that I never look at this as competition. Such thoughts never crossed my mind. Our position wasn’t good. I only concentrated on being there for a while. Only after spending sometimes did we think of a win.”
Despite century in IPL final, Test century in West Indies and twin half-centuries in Man-of-the-Match effort against New Zealand, experts found Saha’s batting abilities inadequate as compared to Parthiv. On way to his biggest first-class knock at Brabourne Stadium, Saha chose to attack.
Standing well outside the crease to counter swing, he took his chances initially. There was no stopping him once he got away. “A fuller ball got me in the first innings, so I stood out and played lofted shots. Hitting over the top comes naturally to me anyway. The bowlers’ ploy worked in the first innings. Mine worked in the second.”
His point made for the moment, it’s up to rivals to start competing again.
atreyo@newindianexpress.com